3 great days in Texas Hill Country

7am: Catch a spellbinding sunrise

Start your Hill Country adventure at the break of day at the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area (pictured)—it will be worth it when you hike to the top of Enchanted Rock and see the morning light illuminating the rolling hills of Central Texas. Enchanted Rock is considered a giant archaeological area; finds have included ancient spear tips and pottery dating back around 12,000 years.

11am: Shop hop in Fredericksburg

Get your bearings with a stroll through downtown Fredericksburg, known for its German heritage. Main Street is always bustling with visitors popping in and out of antique shops, German bakeries, souvenir stores, and art galleries. Combine shopping and lunching with a visit to Woerner Warehouse Café, a rustic antiques warehouse that also serves up farm-fresh fare.

3pm: Soak up some local history

Learn about the town’s German roots and pioneering spirit with a visit to the Pioneer Museum. Fredericksburg is also home to the National Museum of the Pacific War, which might seem out of place in this small town—until you realize that Fleet Admiral Nimitz, who led the U.S. to victory over Japan in World War II, grew up here.

9am: Chase waterfalls

Fuel up with a killer breakfast burrito at Caliche Coffee Bar. Then, plug Pedernales Falls State Park into your GPS, an easy one-hour drive east. Located along the Blanco River with sandy shores and impressive rock formations, it offers one of the most scenic settings in all of Texas, with nearly a dozen hiking trails that vary in length and skill level. The Blanco River is also a popular spot for float trips; the easiest access point is in Blanco State Park, about 30 minutes’ drive away.

Noon: Make a splash

Hop back in the car and head to the charming town of Wimberley. Swing by The Shady Llama on your way for a hot-pressed Cubano sandwich and cold beer. At this family and pet-friendly beer garden, you may even spot a resident llama or mini donkey. Then gear up for a cool dip at the spring-fed Blue Hole Regional Park, an iconic Texas swimming hole. If you visit from May 1 until Labor Day, you’ll need a reservation.

6pm: Say “prost!”

By now you’ll have worked up quite the appetite, so head back to Fredericksburg. Tonight, it could only be German cuisine in this German town with its German-style breweries and yearly Oktoberfest. The dish to try is duck schnitzel (pictured)—Otto’s German Bistro does a fine one.

Noon: Raise a glass

With two hikes behind you, it’s time to unwind. After a lie-in, hop in your car and head to the stretch of Highway 290 between Fredericksburg and Dripping Springs, where many of the best Hill Country vineyards lie. We recommend heading to William Chris Vineyards (pictured), where you can book a lunchtime picnic experience and sip a velvety petite sirah among the vines.

3pm: Toe-tap, Texas style

End your Hill Country visit on a high note in Luckenbach, a town with a current population of just three, which started as a trading post in 1849 and was made famous in song by the likes of Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings in 1977. It now consists of a general store, bar, and dance hall with daily live music, and is an iconic (and photogenic) spot to spend the afternoon listening to country tunes. As Jennings sang, Out in Luckenbach, Texas, ain’t nobody feelin’ no pain.

6pm: Make a tasty pitstop

One last tip: If you’re headed back to Austin, stop by The Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood on your way for a smoky brisket or rib dinner—a perfectly Texas way to end your trip.